increasing. Much originates in so-called "macho cultures". And, shockingly, a great deal of abuse occurs within religioushouseholds!

Our patriarchal society allows violence to flourish. Violence in our homes is widespread and religious households are no exception

Saint James College Seminary is offering women's studies, divinity, spiritual social work and

counseling students the opportunity to research why Americans seem to have "cultural permission" to abuse women.

Participants will have the opportunity to conduct meaningful research leading to recommended policy changes and advocacy efforts. This program is offered in collaboration with our sister institution, The Women's College. (www.thewomenscollege.org)

2) Some self-identified religious families subscribe to the Apostle Paul's instructions in Ephesians 5:25 that women should be submissive to their husbands (see also 1 Peter 3:1 and Colossians 3:18). Evidence is growing that some men who believe in a literal translation of these scriptures and who identify themselves as a fundamentalist person of faith feel as though it is their duty to keep "their" women in line. This may involve acts of violence and abuse.

3) Some anecdotal evidence is mounting that incidents of abuse perpetrated by Christian and other religious males are hidden or covered up by their religious community. It is increasingly coming to light that some so-called "model Christian" communities shame abused women into submission and silence.

More research is called for in terms of violence against womenThe academic literature on intimate partner abuse in the context of religious communities is very limited. Nonetheless, interest in this type of phenomenon is growing within both the counseling community and the faith community.

What role does religious affiliation play in relation to intimate partner abuse? Is there a correlation between male-dominated theologies and so-called “macho” cultural practices? Are religious men more likely to commit acts of violence against their partners? Is this violence more likely to occur within fundamentalist Christian homes? Do some religious teachings

promote the oppression of women?

Initial anecdotal indicators are that women are more likely to experience physical violence or other forms of serious abuse in situations

where a male claims the authority to "be in charge" and believes that it is his right to require his wife or female partner to be submissive to his whims anddemands.

The National Survey of Families and Households (1988 - 1994) offered indications that religious dissimilarity increased the incidence of abuse. Although the survey data is becoming outdated, the study continues to be used regularly due to the importance of its findings.

The study discovered that men with considerably more conservative theological views than their partners were more likely to commit intimate partner abuse.

(Note that the statement doesn't say "may" commit abuse. It says that these men are more likely to do so.)

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Do you know how many women are actually beaten or abused?

Do you know how many women are actually beaten or abused?One in every three women, according to the United Nations. That's right.UN statistics report that one women in every three worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused by some other means during her lifetime. What's more, Dr. Michelle Bachelet Jeria, the

former President of Chile, has sobering statistics to report in her current role as the Under-Secretary General for the United Nations and Executive Director for UN Women. She reports that women and girls are at risk of experiencing violence throughout their entire lives. And, the fact is that this violence typically perpetrated against them by the men who are closest to them, such as husbands or other intimate partners.